If you snore or, more likely, if you live with someone who snores, you are probably on a constant quest for something, anything, that will make it stop so you can get some rest. There are many products on the market today that claim to help you stop snoring. The results are hit and miss, often depending on the cause of your snoring.
Nasal Strips
Kind of like a band-aid or a piece of tape, nasal strips go across your nose and hold your nasal passages open. They are popular and seem to work for some people, but they can be uncomfortable, and they don't always stay stuck in place. For some, they cause skin irritation.
Sprays
Snoring sprays basically lubricate the throat, back of your mouth, and tongue. They minimize the noise of snoring. Many are made from all natural ingredients. They may be helpful, in a pinch, but do not address the underlying cause.
Mouthpieces
Over-the-counter mouthpieces mimic the effect of a dental oral appliance. They hold your jaw forward so that your throat does not collapse and block your airway. While great in theory, these mouthpieces can cause dental damage and TMD. If you want to try a mouthpiece for snoring, talk to a dentist who specializes in dental sleep medicine.
Acupressure Rings
Rings such as the Silent Knight Ring, Qi Ring, and Anti Snore Therapeutic ring are worn on the pinky finger while you sleep, and put pressure on pressure points which are supposed to control snoring. They have no side effects, and won't upset your sleep partner. They seem to work for some people and may be worth a try.
Special Pillows
There are several designs of anti-snoring pillows. Like the ring, they have no side effects and won't offend your partner. They are made to keep your head, neck, and spine in proper alignment and encourage sleeping on your side. They may or may not eliminate your snoring, but they can improve overall comfort during sleep and may have other benefits.
Snoring is more than an annoyance. It can be a sign of a life-threatening disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA can lead to heart disease, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and strokes. Snoring should not be taken lightly.
Seek relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea with specialized treatment from Think Better Life. If you or a loved one may be losing sleep due to sleep apnea, call 1-847-533-8313 today for a consultation with our renowned sleep apnea dentists.
